WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion users. However, as WhatsApp continues to add new features, it will stop supporting older versions of Android and iOS operating systems. This means that WhatsApp will eventually stop working on older Android phones that can’t be updated to a newer OS version.
Why Does WhatsApp Stop Supporting Older Android Versions?
There are a few key reasons why WhatsApp ends support for older Android versions:
- New features require the latest OS – As WhatsApp adds new capabilities, they often depend on functions only available in newer Android versions. Older OS versions lack support for these functions.
- Security concerns – Older Android versions can have security flaws that leave users vulnerable. WhatsApp wants to encourage the use of secure, up-to-date operating systems.
- Technical limitations – Maintaining app compatibility with very old Android versions requires significant developer resources. WhatsApp likely decides it’s not worth the effort.
By phasing out older Android OS support, WhatsApp can focus development efforts on new features for the vast majority of users on recent Android versions.
Which Android Versions Will WhatsApp Stop Supporting?
WhatsApp has announced that starting February 1, 2020, it will no longer support Android versions 2.3.7 and older. Specifically, these Android versions will stop working with WhatsApp:
- Android 2.3.7 and older
- Android 3.0
- Android 4.0
In addition, certain Android phones running OS 4.0.4 and older will also lose WhatsApp support if they have old Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets. This includes phones with MSM8225, MSM8625, MSM8960 Snapdragon chipsets and other models originally released with Android 2.3.
Which Android Phones Will Lose WhatsApp Support?
Here are some of the Android phone models that will no longer have WhatsApp support starting February 1, 2020 due to having an old Android OS version or outdated Qualcomm chipset:
| Phone Model | Android Version | Reason for Losing Support |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S2 | Android 2.3.6 | Old OS |
| LG Optimus Black | Android 2.3.7 | Old OS |
| HTC Desire | Android 2.2 | Old OS |
| Sony Xperia Arc S | Android 2.3.4 | Old OS |
| LG Optimus 2X | Android 2.3.7 | Old OS |
| Huawei Ascend Mate | Android 4.1.2 | Old Snapdragon chipset |
| ZTE Grand S Flex | Android 4.0.4 | Old Snapdragon chipset |
This table shows just a sample of the many Android phone models that will be impacted once WhatsApp support ends for older Android versions. There are likely many other Android phones still being used today that will also lose WhatsApp capabilities.
What If I Have One of These Phones – What Are My Options?
If you currently use WhatsApp on an older Android phone that will lose support, you have a few options:
- Update your phone’s software – If possible, update your phone’s Android OS to a newer version that will still be supported. However, many older phones cannot be updated further due to hardware limitations.
- Get a new phone – The surest way to keep using WhatsApp is to upgrade your phone to a newer model that runs a supported Android OS. You’ll enjoy other benefits with a new phone as well.
- Switch messaging apps – Consider using alternative messaging apps such as Telegram or Signal that may still support older Android versions for longer.
- Use WhatsApp Web – You can continue using WhatsApp through the web browser version, WhatsApp Web, on your computer even if your phone app stops working.
Millions of users on old Android phones will lose access to WhatsApp messaging starting in February 2020. While frustrating, stopping support for outdated operating systems helps WhatsApp develop more advanced features for its supported Android versions and user base.
When Could WhatsApp Drop Support for More Android Versions?
The Android OS versions that will lose WhatsApp support in 2020 are quite old, some dating back over 10 years. It’s likely just the beginning of WhatsApp phasing out older Android versions. Based on past precedents and the pace of Android OS updates, here is an estimate of when other Android versions could lose WhatsApp support:
- Android 4.0 to 4.0.4 – Could lose support as early as 2021
- Android 4.1 to 4.3 – Could lose support around 2022 or 2023
- Android 4.4 – Could lose support around 2024
Of course, these are just rough estimates. WhatsApp will likely make official announcements only a few months before ending support for a given Android OS version.
It’s also possible WhatsApp may keep supporting older Android versions longer on certain phones if they have relatively new Qualcomm chipsets. But in general, Android phone owners should expect to lose WhatsApp capabilities eventually if they can’t update to a newer OS version.
The Bottom Line – Update Your Android OS to Keep WhatsApp
To summarize the key points:
- WhatsApp will stop working on all Android phones running Android 2.3.7 and older starting February 1, 2020
- Many Android phones with old Qualcomm chipsets will also lose support then
- Updating your phone’s OS or getting a newer phone are the best ways to keep using WhatsApp
- Support for Android 4.0 through Android 4.3 will likely end over the next few years
While saying goodbye to an old favorite phone is never fun, keeping your Android device’s operating system up-to-date is the only way to ensure you can use essential apps like WhatsApp. As WhatsApp evolves with new capabilities and security updates, it will necessarily have to leave the oldest Android phones behind.